PLUMAGE DEVELOPMENT AND MATURATION IN THE GREATER FLAMINGO PHOENICOPTERUS-RUBER-ROSEUS

The Greater Flamingo is a long-lived species reaching maturity and breeding only after a period of years. Observations after fledging of birds ringed as chicks in the Camargue have revealed patterns of plumage succession which are presented here. During the first year there is little individual variation in the progression of the coloration of juvenile plumage and bare parts. Immature appearance, on the contrary, varies considerably between individuals, as does the age at which definitive plumage appears, normally after 4-6 years. There is a slight sexual dimorphism with females, identified by their smaller size, acquiring definitive plumage on average shortly before males. Causal and functional aspects of plumage development in the Greater Flamingo are discussed.